Monday, November 4, 2024 – With backyard burning resuming in the District of Sooke as of November 1, the District reminds residents to familiarize themselves with local burning regulations and to always check the venting index before lighting a fire.
Backyard burning is permitted from November 1 to April 30 on properties larger than 2,500 square metres (0.6 acres) within the District. Only yard debris such as leaves, branches, and other organic material may be burned, and all other materials, including garbage and construction waste, are prohibited.
To minimize smoke impacts on air quality, residents must ensure they burn only on days when the venting index is rated good or better. The venting index, provided by the provincial government, is a measure of how well smoke will disperse in the atmosphere. On days when the venting index is poor, smoke can linger at ground level, causing health and environmental concerns for the community.
Before burning, residents are urged to check the daily venting index, which is available through the provincial government’s website or by calling 1-888-281-2992.
Key reminders for backyard burning:
- Burn only organic yard debris with the purpose of the fire of tidying the premises.
- Burn piles must not exceed 2 metres in height and 3 metres in diameter.
- Fires must be on the person’s property and at least 6 metres (20 feet) from all property lines and buildings and at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from any wild grassland, shrubs, trees or wooden fences.
- A person capable of extinguishing the fire must be present at all times.
- Fires must be fully extinguished when done.
- Respect your neighbors by minimizing smoke and ensuring smoke does not drift onto adjacent properties.
The District thanks residents for their cooperation in keeping the community safe and clean. For more information, visit the District’s backyard burning regulations page.
For those who prefer to avoid burning, the District encourages utilizing local yard waste disposal services.
Current Ventilation Index
Backyard burning in Sooke permitted ONLY when reading is GOOD to adequately allow smoke to disperse. When the venting index is good, burning is permitted November 1-April 30.